Rangelands SACCO held its 7th Annual Delegates Meeting (ADM) on February 18, 2025, in Archers Post, Samburu County. Attended by key officials, including Said Roba, the Cooperative Auditor, and Diramu Guyo, the Cooperative Officer for Isiolo County, the event brought together conservancy managers, chairpersons, and delegates representing SACCO members from 39 NRT member community conservancies.
The ADM’s primary objective was to discuss financial statements and budgets, declare dividends, and provide an update on the SACCO’s progress and strategic plans. It served as a platform for members to engage with the SACCO leadership, express their aspirations, and gain insights into financial strategies that would benefit them. Discussions centered around the organization’s financial performance, governance, and outlook for the coming year.
One of the most notable highlights was the presentation of the financial report, which showcased impressive growth. Corporate assets surged from KES 214 million to KES 238 million within a year. Member deposits also saw a sharp increase, rising from KES 3 million to KES 7 million, indicating growing confidence in the SACCO’s ability to safeguard and grow its members’ savings. Additionally, the dividend payout rose significantly, increasing from KES 2.6 million at a 7% rate last year to KES 6.8 million at a 15% rate this year.
As part of its member engagement and motivation approach, Rangelands SACCO celebrated outstanding contributions by recognizing and awarding the best-performing members and conservancies for the financial year 2024;
- Paramase Lesanagi – Best Male Saver
- Rukia Hadufo Gafo – Best Female Saver
- Josephine Nater – Best Loan Borrower
- Dade Roba – Most Supportive Enterprise Community Agent
“I am a businesswoman and own a retail shop that has significantly helped me earn an income and set aside some for savings. I plan to continue saving consistently, expand my shop, and build my own rental properties.“
– Rukia Gafo, Lower Tana Delta Conservancy, Tana River County
Westgate was honored as the Best Overall Conservancy, Jaldesa was recognized as the Most Improved Conservancy, and Kirimon received the title of Most Promising Conservancy. These awards aim to recognize and appreciate strong board and management leadership in the conservancies that drive sustainability and positive mindset change towards self-reliance. Strong leadership at the conservancy level has culminated in savings and membership mobilization, which ultimately strengthen financial inclusion and economic empowerment for the communities in the conservancies.
The meeting also included a detailed review of the proposed 2025 budget, which the SACCO treasurer presented. Members had the opportunity to examine the proposed financial plan before formally approving it, with various members proposing and seconding the resolutions. This level of engagement ensured that the financial direction of the SACCO was shaped collectively.
Overview of the Rangelands SACCO: Tujipange Kimaisha
Rangelands SACCO has evolved significantly since its establishment in 2016. Originally known as Northern Rangelands SACCO, the organization rebranded to Rangelands SACCO to better serve members beyond northern Kenya, particularly those in coastal areas, and to expand its operations beyond conservancies, embracing a broader membership base. According to Diramu Guyo, the Cooperative Officer for Isiolo County, today, it stands as one of the most compliant SACCOs in Isiolo County, adhering to all legal frameworks, conducting regular elections, and strictly following SACCO bylaws.
As a flagship initiative incubated by MashinaniWORKS, Rangelands SACCO has so far disbursed KES 235 million to finance over 5,800 businesses at the grassroots level. According to a recent impact survey, these businesses have contributed to improved incomes for communities, injecting over KES 1.6 billion annually into the local economies.
With its over 6,300 members, access to various loan products is tailored to meet different financial needs. The Shikilia Loan offers support to members with existing loans who need an additional financial boost, with a limit of KES 30,000. Business loans, ranging from KES 25,000 to KES 1 million, enable entrepreneurs to expand their enterprises, while development loans cater to non-business-related financial needs within the same range. The emergency loan provides up to KES 50,000 in quick-access funding for those facing urgent financial challenges.
With a strong emphasis on empowering its members through savings and investment opportunities guiding communities to plan and secure their financial futures, Rangelands SACCO continues to establish itself as a key driver of financial growth in communities across the ASALs of northern and coastal Kenya.